An Elephant Exhibit You'll Never Forget

San Diego Zoo's elephant exhibit cost $45 million

The new $45 million Elephant Odyssey exhibit made its official debut Friday.

The entire 7.5 acre habitat exhibit known as Elephant Odyssey includes rolling hills, mechanical trees for activities, shade, showers or heat.

Ranchipur, who weights 12,500 pounds, was the largest of the elephants moved to the zoo. The Asian elephants joined three other elephants already making their home at the zoo.

The first of the elephants arrived April 25, escorted by five police motorcycles -- lights flashing -- an escort fit for dignitaries.

"There have been several months of preparation and training of the elephants," said Rick Schwartz, the Elephant Odyssey Ambassador. "They walked right into their crates, enjoyed a nice little snack while getting into the trucks.

Also on view at the new exhibit: eight life-size replicas of extinct creatures that made the cross-country trip from Wisconsin in early April to be part of the zoo's new feature.

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